Tigers

Leyland Brilliant In Balancing Best For Tigers With Respecting The Moment

KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 3: Jim Leyland #10 of the Detroit Tigers tries to catch a foul ball hit by Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers in the fourth inning during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on October 3, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Miguel Cabrera practically had the Triple Crown sewn up entering the season’s final game Wednesday, but that didn’t stop Tigers manager Jim Leyland from doing his homework and making sure nothing was left to chance.

“Truthfully, and this sounds crazy, but this was the toughest game I’ve had to manage in my career,” Leyland said after Cabrera’s Triple Crown and a 1-0 victory were in the Tigers’ possession. “It was more nerve-wracking than Game 7 of the 1997 World Series.”

In a brilliant night of managing, Leyland struck the perfect balance between doing what was best for his team and respecting the game and the competition.